2-Symphony In G Minor

Question 0

Describe the structure of the piece

Answer 0

Sonata form:
Exposition:
-1st subject in G minor
-The bridge modulates in to Bb major
-The second subject is in Bb major (relative major)
Development:
-1st and 2nd subjects are explored using the circle of fifths
Recapitulation:
-Extended bridge passes through Eb major and F minor
-2nd subject in G minor (tonic)
Ends with codetta

Question 1

What year was this piece composed in?

Answer 1

1788

Question 2

What is the tonality of this piece?

Answer 2

Mainly in G minor although it frequently modulates to Bb major which is the relative major of G minor. The development section explores many keys using the circle of fifths and then returns to G minor. The piece passes through Eb major and F minor before returning to G minor at the end when the 2nd subject is repeated in the tonic key helping the piece sound finished

Question 3

Describe the harmony

Answer 3

It’s mainly diatonic and chromaticism is used. Diminished 7ths and functional chords are used as well as the circle of fifths and pedal notes. Perfect cadences also help to define the key.

Question 4

Describe the melody in as much detail as possible

Answer 4

The first and second subject contract melodically. The first motif is a 3 note motif with an upward leap of a minor 6th and Scalia descent with many repeated notes. The second subject, however, is a falling or descending shape with longer note values and more lyrical, chromatic, scalic passages and sequences. The melody is often doubled in octaves and is balanced with graceful melodic lines.

Question 5

What’s the rhythm like in the 1st subject?

Answer 5

Repeated quaver-quaver-crotchet rhythms 
On beat rhythms
Some dotted rhythms 
Scalic quaver passages
Anacrusis (an upbeat)

Question 6

What’s the rhythm like in the second subject?

Answer 6

Longer note values (mainly crotchets and minims)
Augmentation in violins in bars 72-75
More dotted rhythms
Syncopation and offbeat emphasis

Question 7

Describe the texture

Answer 7

Mainly homophonic with some dialogue between strings and woodwind. Oboes and bassoons provide harmonic filling and some parts are doubled in octaves.

Question 8

What’s the instrumentation like?

Answer 8

Classical orchestra including lots of strings and 7 woodwind members (2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons and a flute) with only 2 French horns for brass. Strangely, there are no timpani or trumpets.

Question 9

Give two musical reasons as to why you like this piece

Answer 9

1) I like this piece because the instrumentation is different to a standard classical orchestra giving it a more unique feel
2) I also like the conjunct melodies as they make it sound very pleasant